Politicalcallstosave vaccinationcentres

Shotts politicians Neil Gray and Alex Neil have called on the NHS to reverse the closure of vaccination bases in the town.

The two, who are MP and MSP respectively, are urging NHS Lanarkshire to revisit its decision, fearing residents could miss out on the critical vaccine due to travel problems.

As of March 8, local residents will have to travel to the supercentre at Ravenscraig, or Coatbridge, to receive their inoculation.

Residents in Airdrie, whose constituents the two also represent at Westminster and Holyrood, will also face the same issue.

Mr Gray said: “This move could see the uptake of the vaccination drop in Airdrie and Shotts. Not everyone has access to a car to travel to Ravenscraig or Coatbridge nor will many be able to take public transport.

“A large number of constituents, particularly in outlying villages, have been in touch expressing concern at this decision.

“Alex Neil and I have written to NHS Lanarkshire asking for the local centres to be reintroduced, not just for the sake of the people of Airdrie and Shotts but to ensure that the vaccine uptake is as high as possible to protect everyone.”

Mr Neil continued: “I am urging NHS Lanarkshire to keep the Airdrie Town Hall Vaccination Centre open and reinstate the one in Shotts.

“It is ridiculous that people are being forced to travel for their vaccination especially when public transport services are so sparse at present. As the top priority is to ensure everyone gets vaccinated, common sense dictates that there must be vaccination centres in Airdrie and Shotts.”